A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Robert Ellis Antoon at 11:00 am on Friday, January 30, 2026, at St. Rita Catholic Church, with The Very Rev. Craig Scott, VG officiating and concelebrated by Rev. Anthony Dharmaraj and Rev. Paul LaPalme. Interment will follow at Greenwood Memorial Park under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 am until 10:30 am on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the church, followed by a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10:30 am.
Robert Ellis Antoon, 79, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, in Alexandria, LA.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Eunice Antoon.
Robert was born on March 29, 1946, in Alexandria, Louisiana. After graduating from Menard Memorial High School in 1964, he moved to Baton Rouge, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Zoology and Biology from Louisiana State University. He later relocated to Houston and received his Doctor of Optometry in 1973. That same year, Robert opened Antoon Eye Center, where he faithfully served his community for 52 years. A lifelong member of the American Optometric Association and an active member of the Optometric Association for over five decades, he was deeply beloved by his patients for his compassion, generosity, and genuine care for others.
In addition to his private practice, Robert proudly served the 23rd Medical Group and the United States Air Force by providing the highest quality of medical care while working in the Optometry Clinic. He also served the England Air Force Base catchment area, where he earned accolades from both patients and hospital staff for his professionalism, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Robert was passionate about social justice, humanitarianism, and equality—values he carried into every aspect of his life and work. Affectionately known as “Magic” for his remarkable good fortune in sports, the nickname endured and was lovingly adopted by his grandchildren. He was known for his dry wit and playful humor, always eager to make others laugh. Above all, Robert was a devoted and loving husband to Terry Cortello, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage, father to Nicholas and Elizabeth, and grandfather to Adam, Patrick and Kate.
Robert’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his care, compassion, and integrity, leaving an enduring imprint on his family, his profession, and the community he served so faithfully.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Terry Antoon; his son, Nicholas Antoon; his daughter, Elizabeth Martin (Chris); his grandchildren, Adam Martin, Patrick Martin, and Katherine Martin; his brother, Thomas Antoon (Martha), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers honored to serve will be Gary Lahood, Trey Antoon, Chris Antoon, Robert Dalrymple, Rob Antoon, and Chris Martin.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Thomas Antoon, Ellis Saybe, Greg Ellington, Dr. Greg Gormanous, Glenn Cortello, Frank Cortello, Roy Martin, Chris Arny, Dr. Jaime Borrero, Joe Dalrymple, Scott Brame, Dr. Sam Bouz, and Dr. Bill Risinger.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, P.O. Box 230969, Houston, TX 77223.